Rodney Jones - Picking Master Class Example

Dear Guitar People -

I have been asked so many times about how to pick. What is the correct angle? Wrist or Fingers? Here is me demonstrating what I do. It is a variation of George Benson's picking style. For me, George Benson is the undisputed master of articulated picking. I am making an instructional video about how to pick and why. Here is a teaser. Enjoy and let me know if it is helpful and what you think.

Safe Journeys,

Rodney

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Rodney
• Jones
• Jazz
• Guitar
• picking
• George
• Benson
• Sweep
• Picking
• Technique

[ctolousse]

Very fast, but not very clear, or clean. I think Julian Lage has got the right touch for both speed and clarity in phrasing...

[stratthead]

@Fitzliputzli23 I agree with you. Except I don't hold a pen like that, also use more thumb flex for picking and writing. It helps shape sounds and do cool things with harmonics that can't be done when locking the thumb like Benson does. Hybrid picking is more awkward too with the Benson.

[Fitzliputzli23]

@stratthead This technique has pros and cons. Pros: more control over the attack, fluent runs, upstrokes slightly louder than downstrokes.The motion is related to the way you hold a pen so you can do very precise and quick movements just the way you do your signature. You can benifit from the neurons you developed since you've learnt writing.

Cons: less volume, tendency to play fuzzy and briefly, downstrokes have no punch, muting is difficult, not useful for gypsy jazz.

[stratthead]

When I was young, my guitar teacher had me hold it like that. He picks exactly like this. Same rakes and loose grip as shown here. He even played a blonde Gibson. It's good for certain things. I noticed, playing loud or distorted, I couldn't mute anything, hand is not in good position, I'd get too much feedback. I know in jazz you want that pop that happens with the pick upwards, but I really like the thicker tone from the normal grip.

[leventopoulos]

Great!! just wish i could see the other hand too.. :-)

[patfarlow]

when will the video be done?

[bruno1george]

GREAT!!! Incredible playing. When is it going to come out? Seriously I can't wait for this one....

[xXironraiderXx]

straight benson!

[jleber]

Very cool idea. I use the same picking method. It would be helpful to hear your views on the following aspects: (i) muting the lower strings, (ii) pick type and thickness (I have experimented with both thick 1.5 mm and thin 0.46 mm picks) and (iii) whether the thumb has to remain 'locked' in position (like GB does it) - my thumb and index finger sometimes wiggle (I noticed yours do occasionally as well) and I have been trying to remove this movement - but maybe I shouldn't.

[sheetsofsound]

Rodney, this is just ridiculous. You are a bad dude!